New Lexus LS Mule Spy Shots
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These photos, taken just recently at Germany's famous N・burgring racetrack, have caught a prototype Lexus LS sedan as it undergoes high-speed testing. At first glance the car appears to be a current production model, but looking closer one can note a modification to the hood on either side of the grille. Also note the large wheels, low-profile tires, and fender bulges front and rear to cover the extra-large tires.
All this indicates a future LS sedan with more performance than the current model. A look at the rear, however, shows rather small dual exhaust pipes and not two or even four giant pipes as would be likely in a turbo model or a real high-performance car. So what is this prototype? An educated guess would be a hybrid powerplant coupling a standard-size LS V-8 engine with Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive electric motors to give the LS improved performance while also improving fuel economy.
http://www.thecarconnection.com/Enth...178.A8787.html
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I certainly hope the next LS will not look anything close to the current one. I guess they are doing the same as Infiniti did with the testing of their GT-R prototype, using the current LS's body as Infiniti is using the current Skyline(G35c) body to do the testing.
#7
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Looks more like a facelift than a redesign.![Frown](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/smilies/frown.gif)
I hope the new LS will look more revolutionary than that and give the L-finesse theme its flagship interpretation.
TCC does mention that the fact that the test mule had tiny exhaust pipes could mean that the test mule had a low-emission drivetrain, i.e. a hybrid, making this spyshot somewhat more exciting.![Smilie](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/smilies/smile.gif)
At any rate, thanks for the find, Sup.
![Frown](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/smilies/frown.gif)
I hope the new LS will look more revolutionary than that and give the L-finesse theme its flagship interpretation.
TCC does mention that the fact that the test mule had tiny exhaust pipes could mean that the test mule had a low-emission drivetrain, i.e. a hybrid, making this spyshot somewhat more exciting.
![Smilie](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/smilies/smile.gif)
At any rate, thanks for the find, Sup.
![Stick Out Tongue](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/smilies/tongue.gif)
Last edited by XeroK00L; 06-20-05 at 10:38 AM.
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#8
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guys, this isnt the final version, this is a test mule... dont expect the new LS to look like this... notice, they panels are all covered in black tape, the fenders are just slapped on there, and the wheels are just standard wheels
will be nice to have a high hp/torque v8 hybrid motor
will be nice to have a high hp/torque v8 hybrid motor
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YES! And the 4.6 goes to work. I wonder if there's some hybrid power on this LS that they're playing around with. The new LS has to be L-Finesse so I'm guessing the fender flares are there to accomodate the new wheels (maybe the new LS stock wheels?) and perhaps larger/wider brakes. I've been waiting for something substantial to come out about the new LS and this is the first real stuff I've seen. Now, we wait.
James
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Those fender flares are last minute add ons after Lexus designers saw the new S-class. This time instead of waiting for the final to schock people, they are getting people excited earlier.
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Originally Posted by Celicamaro
Those fender flares are last minute add ons after Lexus designers saw the new S-class. This time instead of waiting for the final to schock people, they are getting people excited earlier.
![Stick Out Tongue](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/smilies/tongue.gif)
It doesn't really matter though because the final LS won't look like that-like it does now.
James
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